Method and apparatus for mounting a negative

ABSTRACT

A negative is correctly aligned relatively to a roll or cylinder on which it is to be mounted, by utilizing a cradle so constructed that when it rests on the roll, it is inherently aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the roll. By first properly relating the negative to the cradle, and then applying the cradle to a roll, the negative is effectively aligned relatively to the roll and may be wrapped about the roll.

United States Patent l l l Inventors Vernon J. Herzing;

Ingvar L. Tolf, Battle Creek, Mich. 749,81 1

Aug. 2, 1968 Feb. 2, 1971 General Foods Corporation White Plains, NY.

a corporation of Delaware Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING A NEGATIVE 15 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 242/74 Int. Cl B65h 75/28 Field of Search. 242/74, 74.1, 74.2

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS l,87 l ,234 8/1932 Proctor 242/74 2,578,283 12/1951 Bomemann et al 242/74X 3,324,759 6/1967 Fielding 356/172 Primary ExaminerNathan L, Mintz Attorney-LeFever, Quillinan and Hubbard ABSTRACT: A negative is correctly aligned relatively to a roll or cylinder on which it is to be mounted, by utilizing a cradle so constructed that when it rests on the roll, it is inherently aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the roll. By first properly relating the negative to the cradle, and then applying the cradle to a roll, the negative is effectively aligned relatively to the roll and may be wrapped about the roll.

PATENIED FEB 2 ml SHEET 1 (I? a M/VE/VI'ORJ VERN N JJIERZWG IN GVAR L TOLF LEM... ATTURIVEKI' mama] FEB 2mm 3.559.912

" sum 2 or 4 PATENTED FEB 21971 3559.912

SHEET 0! 4 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING A NEGATIVE NEGATIVE MOUNTING METHOD AND APPARATUS This invention relates to the accurate application of a sheet of flexible material to a cylinder or roll. Such accurate application is particularly required in the manufacture of printing cylinders or rolls in a machine such as a Helio-Klischograph machine. In machines of this class, the flexible sheet is a negative that is applied to a negative mounting roll, the negative having been produced by a well-known commercial method not part of this invention. After being mounted on the roll the negative is used to control the operation of mechanical engraving means for the making of a printing cylinder or roll in accordance with the negative.

A printing roll of the type to which our invention relates. is particularly adapted for color printing. In color printing it is necessary to manufacture several printing rolls, each of which will be used for printing on the same paper, but each printing a different color. This naturally requires what the art terms exact register of the several rolls so that the several colors printed are compatible. Therefore, the printing rolls must be made in exact accordance with the negatives, and with extremely close tolerances, in order that the various colors applied by the individual printing rolls be in proper register. Our invention relates particularly to a method and apparatus for applying a flexible control sheet such as a negative to a roll so that the printing roll will be engraved or otherwise formed under the control of the negative in proper relation to the axis of rotation of the printing roll. It will be appreciated that if the printing roll is engraved so that its printing is somewhat to one side of a proper position, it is possible to compensate for this error by moving the printing roll axially in the printing machine. Thus, in a printing machine of the type in which printing rolls or cylinders produced by our invention will be used, it is possible to adjust the printing roll five-eighth of an inch in either of opposed axial directions so as to compensate for any errors. Also, it is naturally possible to rotate a printing roll in its axis so as to bring its printing surface into proper re gister in a linear direction relatively to the paper being printed. However, should the engraved or other printing surface of the printing roll be angularly positioned relatively to the axis of rotation of the printing roll, it is obvious that the results will be extremely undesirable, In other words, any misalignment of the negative during the process of creating the printing roll, which is axial or in a circumferential direction on the printing roll, can be corrected by adjustment, but any cocking or angular positioning of the negative on the negative mounting roll cannot be corrected and will yield disastrous results. Our invention contributes a method for applying a negative to a roll in such a manner that the transverse dimension of the negative must be in exact alignment with the axis of the roll. In other words, our method eliminates any possibility of the negative being applied in a cocked or angular relation to the axis of the roll.

The basis of our method is the application of the negative to any device that automatically assumes a position on a negative mounting roll in which the longitudinal axis of the device is in exact alignment with the axis of rotation of the roll. By applying the negative to the device in such a manner that it is readily releasable from the device, it is possible to adhere the negative to the roll and then to wind it about the roll so that it may be secured to the roll.

As a feature of the mechanical phase of our invention, we utilize what we term a cradle, that is automatically positioned in particular relation to the negative mounting roll or cylinder when deposited on the roll. In this position, the longitudinal axis of the cradle is parallel to the axis of rotation of the roll. As a particular feature of this portion of the invention, our cradle is mounted for relatively free vertical movement and is balanced somewhat in this vertical movement by a counterweight, it being the purpose of the counterweight to offset at least partially the weight of the cradle so as to prevent damage to the copper shell of the roll to which the negative is applied. As a further particular feature of our invention. the cradle is equipped with aligning or securing means to which the negative may be fitted. and when so fitted. held in exact alignment with the cradle so that the transverse dimension of the negative is in fixed relation to the longitudinal axis of the cradle, which it will be recalled, is in exact alignment with the axis of rotation of the negative mounting roll. As a still further feature of this part of the invention, the means that hold the negative on the cradle are easily released so that after the negative has been secured to the roll. it may be wrapped about the roll without interference from the cradle.

It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of our invention, in order to prevent the appropriation of our invention by those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates generally one form of a machine with which our invention may be utilized.

FIG. 2 is an elevation of the machine of FIG. I, looking at one end thereof.

FIGS. 3a and 3b are diagrammatic sketches showing the preparation of a negative for application to the cradle of our invention, and showing the negative applied to the cradle.

FIG. 4 is an elevation of the cradle of our invention resting on a roll to which the negative is to be applied, and showing the negative in position to be applied.

FIG. 5 shows the parts of FIG. 4 after the negative has been applied to the negative mounting roll or cylinder.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a part of the adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of the negative relatively to the cradle, and thereby the negative mounting roll.

FIG. 7 is an elevation looking toward FIG. 6 from the right, but showing only a part of the mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view in isometric showing the printing cradle just prior to its being lowered into contact with the negative mounting roll for the application of the negative to the roll, the negative being not shown, for clarity.

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, showing the cradle lowered into contact with the roll, and the longitudinal axis of the cradle now in exact alignment with the axis of rotation of the roll.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, we show in FIG. I the outline of a machine in which two rolls l0 and 11 are shown in phantom. The two rolls 10 and 11, prior to their being mounted on the machine of FIG. 1, are assembled on a shaft S through utilization of suitable chucks K. Mounted also and suitably held on the shaft S are three roller bearings R, the inner races of which support the shaft for rotation relatively to the outer races. The outer races of the three bearings R are supported by three frame standards F so as to mount the rolls 10 and 11 for free rotation as will be referred to more in detail later. The roll 10 is the negative mounting roll to which a negative is to be applied by the apparatus shown just above that roll, and which apparatus constitutes the apparatus of our invention. Once the negative is applied utilizing the method of our invention, the two rolls l0 and 11 together with shaft S are removed from the machine shown in FIG. 1 and are assembled in a Helio-klischograph machine in which the roll 11 will be engraved in accordance with the negative applied to the roll 10. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that our invention and method are readily usable with other methods of manufacture of printing rolls or cylinders, it being obvious that in any printing method, it is absolutely essential to have accurate register, and that our method and apparatus will contribute such accurate register.

The hand wheels 12 shown in FIG. 1 are utilized for the adjustment axially of shaft S and rolls 10 and 11. A motor 13, through a sprocket 14, drives a chain 15, which through suitable gearing designated generally by reference numeral 16, is adapted to rotate the shaft 5 and the two rolls l0 and 11 for the carrying out of the process for which the apparatus is designed. Obviously the assembly of rolls 10 and 11 on shaft S and the rotation of the rolls do not form part of our invention.

We thought it desirable to present in brief outline the apparatus with which our invention is used in order that the relation of our invention to the prior art might be better understood. However. we do not believe additional details are necessary or desirable.

The cradle C of our invention is best illustrated in FIGSv 4. 5, 8 and 9. The general relationship of the cradle to the machine of FIG. I is probably best set forth in FIG. 2. In fabricating the cradle of our invention, we use end main plates 17 and 18 preferably connected at their upper ends by a cross plate 19. Vertical side plates 20 and 21 may be welded to plates 17, 18 and 19, so that the resulting cradle has a relatively rigid body thus formed by the several plates 17-21. The lower ends of the two main plates 17 and 18 are flared outwardly to form inverted Y's. The legs of these Y"s are designated by reference numerals 22, 23. 24, and 25.

In FIGS. 4 and 9, the cradle C is shown with the four arms 22-25 I lying against the periphery of the negative receiving roll 10. The arrangement of the legs 2225 of the apparatus is such that the cradle in the position of FIGS. 4 and 9 will inherently be held with its longitudinal axis, designated by the letters ab in FIG. 9, in exact alignment with the axis of the roll designated by letters c, a in FIG. 9. Obviously axis c, d is the axis of rotation of the roll 10 in the machine of FIG. 1, as will be quite apparent. In other words, any application of the cradle C to the roll 10 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, will automatically place the cradle in a position relatively to the roll in which its axis will be in exact alignment with the axis of rotation of roll 10. Therefore, any application of a negative to the cradle C in which the negative is positioned with its transverse dimension aligned with the line a, b, will automatically place the negative in correct relation to the roll 10 when the cradle is applied to the roll 10.

For the mounting of the cradle of our invention in the machine, we may utilize end plates 30 and 31 as best illus' trated in FIG. 1. These plates are connected with a main cross plate 32, and on this main cross plate we support, through suitable brackets, four pulleys designated by the common reference numeral 33. A counterweight 34 is secured to one end of each of two cables 35. Each of the cables is reeved over the two pulleys 33 at each side of the machine and extends downwardly to an eye 36 at each end of the upper plate 19 forming an integral part of the cradle. It is obvious that our cradle C is now supported for vertical movement relatively to the frame of the machine through the two cables 35, and the pulleys 33, and the two counterweights 34.

The use of the counterweights is extremely important since the cradle of our invention weighs approximately 150 pounds and this weight would damage the copper of the roll 10 were the cradle to be applied to the roll without the functioning of the counterweights. This is particularly true since the several Y legs 22-25 are naturally relatively narrow, and are in line contact with the roll 10 when applied thereto as illustrated in FIG. 9. Of course, other types of arms may be used, such as arms making point contact, and in that event, the counterweights may be of even greater importance. Naturally, the counterweights are readily adjustable, as may be required.

For holding the cradle in its upward position illustrated in FIG. 8, we weld to the two main plates of the cradle, 17 and 18, a pair of lugs 40. These lugs 40 are each adapted to be contacted by a roller 39 on the end of an arm 41, it being obvious that when the rollers 39 of arms 41 are pressed against the lugs 40, the cradle may be held upwardly as in FIG. 8 and that when the arms 41 are lowered, as into the position of FIG. 9, the cradle will move downwardly against the roll 10. Plate is formed with slots 49 (FIGS. 4 and 5) for the passage of arms 41.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the arms 41 are shown secured to a shaft 42. The shaft 42 is mounted in bearings 43 in the plates and 31, and is suitably keyed or otherwise secured to a ring gear 44. The ring gear 44 is in turn rotated by a worm 45 fixed to a shaft 46, the other end of which is secured to a hand wheel 47. By rotation of the hand wheel 47,

it is obvious that the shaft 42 will be rotated and that with it will be moved the arms 41 as designated by the arrow 48 in FIG. 2. bringing about the upward or downward movement of the entire cradle. We do not believe that it is necessary for an understanding of our invention to discuss in more detail the mounting of the several parts to which we have just referred.

Reference has earlier been made to a pressure roller carried by the cradle C. While the function of this pressure roller will be explained later, it will be well now to indicate its construction and method of mounting and operation. The pressure roller is designated by reference numeral 50. and is clearly shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and 9.'Stub shafts '5l at each end of pressure roller 50 ride in slots 52 in the plates 17 and 18 of the cradle so that the pressure roller is guided for movement upwardly and downwardly in the cradle toward and away from the roll 10.

For contributing this upward and downward movement of the roller 50, we utilize a shaft 54 extending transversely between the plates 17-18, as best illustrated in FIG; 1. This shaft is formed with a gear 55 adapted for engagement with a worm 56 as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The worm 56 is fixed on a shaft 57 that is rotated by a hand wheel 58, it being obvious now that rotation of the hand wheel will contribute rotation to the shaft 54'. The shaft 54 has at each end thereof an eccentric 57, and mounted on each eccentric 57 is a crank 59. The stub shafts 51 of the pressure roll 50 are fitted into the cranks 59 at 60. Obviously, movement of the two cranks 59 will bring about vertical movement of the stub shafts 51 and the pressure roller 50.

Prior to indicating just how the negative utilized with our invention is applied to the cradle we shall refer to diagrammatic FIGS. 3a and 3b, since an understanding of the matter illustrated in these FIGS. will be extremely helpful in an understanding of our invention. In FIG. 3a the negative is designated by the reference letter N. While we have called it a negative, it is known also in the art as a bromide. We have selected the word negative because it has a broader connotation. In any event, the negative, when prepared, is formed with three openings 60, these being locating holes utilized in the photographing process. For carrying out our invention, we utilize a die 61 having a series of pins 62 on which the holes are fitted so as to locate the negative in exact relationship to the die 61. Punches 63 are now utilized to form holes 64 in the negative, these holes being used for the locating of the negative on the cradle C. In FIG. 3b, one end of the negative is shown with the holes 64 applied to pins 65 that are carried by the cradle C, as will be described presently. While the three holes 60 are shown in FIG. 3b, in most cases the end of the negative in which the holes 60 are formed, will be removed through an accurate cutting apparatus, so that when the negative is applied to the cradle, only the holes 64 will be present and will be fitted over the pins 65.

Referring now to FIG. 4, one of the pins 65 is shown fitted into a plate 66. In FIG. 7 the plate 66 and the two pins 65 are well illustrated. As was earlier outlined, the plate 66 must be adjusted relatively to the cradle in order to bring the negative into proper relation to the roller 10. It was also indicated that this was essential because the cradle is adapted for application to rollers varying from 8 inches in diameter to 16 inches in diameter.

Referring now to FIG. 7, it will be seen that the plate 66 has at each of its opposed ends a bearing lug 68 whereby it may be mounted on opposed stub shafts 69 extending from the legs 23 and 25 of the Y portion of the two plates 17 and 18 of the cradle. The two shafts 69 are rotatable through sleeve bearings 70 in the legs 23, 25. One of the shafts 69 extends outwardly from the plate 23, and fitted about this extension of the shaft 69 is an adjusting arm 71 best shown in FIG. 6. In order to secure the arm 71 to the shaft 69 for integral rotation therewith, we utilize the split s construction of arm 71 designated generally by reference numeral 72, together with a fastening bolt 73 which draws the portions of the split construction 72 together and brings pressure on the shaft 69 to secure the arm 71'integrally thereto.

A thumb piece 75 is secured to a shaft 76 that is threaded at 77 into the arm 23. The shaft 76 lies in a slot 74 in the arm 71. permitting some movement of the arm 71 relatively to the shaft 76. this movement being sufficient to bring about the ad justment of the plate 66 as it is moved with the arm 71 on the two stub shafts 697 When the thumb piece 79 is rotated, the threaded relation of its shaft 76 at 77 to the arm 23. will cause it to lock the arm 71 in an adjusted position. Adjusting movement is contributed to the arm 71 by a pin 78 that is integral with the arm 71 and extends there from as best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. It is now quite clear that when the negative is applied in position, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3b, it will be movable relatively to the cradle by lever 71 and plate 66 so as to position one end thereof tangentially to the roll 10. Naturally, adjustment of this position of the negative on the cradle C may take place at any time it is required.

We shall now describe a complete operating cycle of the method of our invention and the operation of the apparatus. With the cradle in its upward position away from the roll 10. the negative is applied over the pins 65, effectively locking it in position on the cradle.

A longitudinal strip of tape T having both its upper and lower surfaces coated with pressure adhesive material is secured to roll in as close alignment with the longitudinal axis of roll 10 as possible. Strip T is shown in FIG. 8 applied to roll 10 and with its upper pressure adhesive surface spaced from and below the pressure roller 50 of the cradle C. With the negative now on the plate 66 and held by the pins 65, the cradle C may be lowered from the position of FIG. 8 to the position of FIG. 9. The position of FIG. 9 is also illustrated in FIG. 4, where the plate 66 and the negative are shown in their effective position relative to the roll 10, the negative being tangential to the roll 10 and just under the pressure roller 50. When the cradle is in its position of FIGS. 4 and 9, as was already indicated, its axis a-b is in alignment with the axis of rotation c, d, of the roll 10, and since the negative has been fixed to the cradle C by the pins 65, the negative must be in proper position for application to the roll 10 through use of tape T.

The pressure roller 50 is now moved by the rotation of the hand wheel 58 to bring it into light contact with the leading edge of the negative whereby to press the negative against the roll 10. Because of the presence of the pressure adhesive tape T, the leading edge of the negative will now be adhered to the roll 10. The pins 65 are now removed from the plate 66, and the pressure roller 50 is moved further downwardly relatively to the cradle through further rotation of the crank wheel 58. This brings about upward movement of the cradle C and its legs 22-25 because of the movement of the roller 50 downwardly relatively to the cradle. With the pressure roller 50 thus in position pressing the negative against the roll 10, rotation of the roll 10 through operation of the motor 13 shown in FIG. I, will cause the winding of the negative about the roll 10 as illustrated in FIG. 5 where the reference numeral 80 designates the leading edge of the negative adhered to the roll 10 by tape T. The trailing edge of the negative is designated by the reference numeral 81, and it will also be secured by the pressure adhesive tape T to the roll 10 in generally abutting relation to the leading edge 80. Naturally this phase of the invention may be varied.

It will now be apparent that the method of our invention is extremely simple, requiring only the application of a negative to a cradle from which it may be readily released, the cradle being of any type that is inherently adapted to position its longitudinal axis, constituting the equivalent of the transverse axis of the negative, in exact alignment with the longitudinal axis of rotation of the printing roll or cylinder, when the cradle is applied to a printing roll or cylinder.

It will be appreciated that the cradle C is inherently adapted to take an effective position on roll 10 and, therefore, no guiding means for the vertical movement of the cradle are shown. However, some confining means for the cable-supported cradle may be provided. Also, the counterbalancing means 34 may require some confining and adjustment. Thus, it may be desirable to vary the counterweight and. therefore. the pressure of pressure roller 50. depending on the stiffness of the negative and the tightness with which it is to be wound on roll 10. We believe our invention will now be quite clear.

We claim:

I. A mounting cradle for a negative comprising a frame, support leg means for said frame adapted to be applied to the surface of a negative mounting roll whereby-to align said frame to said roll, said frame extending longitudinally of said roll when said leg means are applied thereto, said leg means being shaped so that when they rest on the surface of said roll, the longitudinal axis of said frame will be parallel to the longitudinal axis of said roll in a plane in which both said axes lie, and means on said frame for effecting the aligning of a negative or the like on said frame with the transverse dimension of the negative parallel to said longitudinal axes of the roll and cradle.

2. In the combination of claim I, the feature that the cradle has at least four spaced legs which when they rest on the roll correctly position the longitudinal axis of the cradle frame so that it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the negative mounting roll.

3. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that the cradle has securing means for holding the negative with one transverse edge thereof parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roll at the surface of the roll, so that it may readily be secured to the said surface of the roll.

4. In the combination of claim 3, the feature that a pressure roller is mounted on said cradle parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, and means for moving said pressure roller rela tively to said cradle from a position spaced from said negative to a position pressing the transverse edge of the negative against the negative mounting roll for adhering the negative to the said roll.

5. In the combination of claim 3, the feature that said negative securing means are adjustable whereby to position the transverse edge of the negative to bring it into predetermined relation to the negative mounting roll so that it may be effectively secured to the said roll.

6. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that said means for effecting the aligning of the negative are pins fitted into holes in said negative.

7. In the combination of claim 4, the feature that said secur ing means are pins fitting into holes in said negative, said pins being removable whereby to release the negative for winding about the negative mounting roll between the said roll and the pressure roller.

8. A method of applying a negative to a negative mounting roll or cylinder that comprises mounting the negative on a eradle that is designed to be applied to a roll or cylinder and to as sume inherently a predetermined position relatively to the longitudinal axis of the roll when so applied thereto, and so mounting the negative on the cradle that a transverse edge thereof will be parallel to the axis of the roll when said cradle is in said predetermined position.

9. In the method of claim 8, the additional step of mounting the negative so that said transverse edge extends from the cradle to the surface of the roll or cylinder so as to be in position to be adhered to said surface.

10 In the combination of claim 4, the feature that said pressure roller is movable further relatively to said cradle to an extent sufficient to separate the cradle from the negative mounting roll as said pressure roller remains pressed against the said roll.

11, In the combination of claim 10, the feature that said securing means are pins fitting into holes in said negative, said pins being removable whereby to release the negative for winding about the negative mounting roll between the said roll and the pressure roller.

12. In the combination of claim 1, a mounting frame, means for mounting the cradle for vertical movement on said mount ing frame toward and away from said negative mounting roll, including counterbalancing means for balancing the weight of said cradle to facilitate its vertical movement on said mounting frame and to limit the weight applied to the surface of the negative mounting roll by the legs of said cradle 13. In the combination of claim 12. the feature that a pressure roller is mounted on said cradle parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. means for moving said pressure roller relatively to said cradle from a position spaced from said negative to a position pressing the transverse edge of the negative against the negative mounting roll for adhering the negative to the said roll. the continued downward movement of said pressure roller is relatively to said cradle while said pressure roller is against said negative mounting roll, lifting said leg means of said cradle from said roll to permit rotation of said roll and pressure roller to wind the negative on said roll.

14 In the combination of claim L the feature that a pressure roller is mounted on said cradle parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, and means for moving said pressure roller relatively to said cradle as from a position spaced from said negative to a position pressing the transverse edge of the negative against the negative mounting roll.

15. In the combination of claim 14. the feature that the continued downward movement of said pressure roller relatively to said cradle while said pressure roller is against said negative mounting roll, lifts said leg means of said cradle from said roll to permit rotation of said roll and pressure roller to wind the negative on said roll. 

1. A mounting cradle for a negative comprising a frame, support leg means for said frame adapted to be applied to the surface of a negative mounting roll whereby to align said frame to said roll, said frame extending longitudinally of said roll when said leg means are applied thereto, said leg means being shaped so that when they rest on the surface of said roll, the longitudinal axis of said frame will be parallel to the longitudinal axis of said roll in a plane in which both said axes lie, and means on said frame for effecting the aligning of a negative or the like on said frame with the transverse dimension of the negative parallel to said longitudinal axes of the roll and cradle.
 2. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that the cradle has at least four spaced legs which when they rest on the roll correctly position the longitudinal axis of the cradle frame so that it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the negative mounting roll.
 3. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that the cradle has securing means for holding the negative with one transverse edge thereof parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roll at the surface of the roll, so that it may readily be secured to the said surface of the roll.
 4. In the combination of claim 3, the feature that a pressure roller is mounted on said cradle parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, and means for moving said pressure roller relatively to said cradle from a position spaced from said negative to a position pressing the transverse edge of the negative against the negative mounting roll for adhering the negative to the said roll.
 5. In the combination of claim 3, the feature that said negative securing means are adjustable whereby to position the transverse edge of the negative to bring it into predetermined relation to the negative mounting roll so that it may be effectively secured to the said roll.
 6. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that said means for effecting the aligning of the negative are pins fitted into holes in said negative.
 7. In the combination of claim 4, the feature that said securing means are pins fitting into holes in said negative, said pins being removable whereby to release the negative for winding about the negative mounting roll between the said roll and the pressure roller.
 8. A method of applying a negative to a negative mounting roll or cylinder that comprises mounting the negative on a cradle that is designed to be applied to a roll or cylinder and to assume inherently a predetermined position relatively to the longitudinal axis of the roll when so applied thereto, and so mounting the negative on the cradle that a transverse edge thereof will be parallel to the axis of the roll when said cradle is in said predetermined position.
 9. In the method of claim 8, the additional step of mounting the negative so that said transverse edge extends from the cradle to the surface of the roll or cylinder so as to be in position to be adhered to said surface. 10 In the combination of claim 4, the feature that said pressure roller is movable further relatively to said cradle to an extent sufficient to separate the cradle from the negative mounting roll as said pressure roller remains pressed against the said roll.
 11. In the combination of claim 10, the feature that said securing means are pins fitting into holes in said negative, said pins being removable whereby to release the negative for winding about the negative mounting roll between the said roll and the pressure roller.
 12. In the combination of claim 1, a mounting frame, means for mounting the cradle for vertical movement on said mounting frame toward and away from said negative mounting roll, including counterbalancing means for balancing the weight of said cradle to facilitate its vertical movement on said mounting frame and to limit the weight applied to the surface of the negative mounting roll by the legs of said cradle.
 13. In the combination of claim 12, the feature that a pressure roller is mounted on said cradle parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, means for moving said pressure roller relatively to said cradle from a position spaced from said negative to a position pressing the transverse edge of the negative against the negative mounting roll for adhering the negative to the said roll, the continued downward movement of said pressure roller is relatively to said cradle while said pressure roller is against said negative mounting roll, lifting said leg means of said cradle from said roll to permit rotation of said roll and pressure roller to wind the negative on said roll.
 14. In the combination of claim 1, the feature that a pRessure roller is mounted on said cradle parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, and means for moving said pressure roller relatively to said cradle as from a position spaced from said negative to a position pressing the transverse edge of the negative against the negative mounting roll.
 15. In the combination of claim 14, the feature that the continued downward movement of said pressure roller relatively to said cradle while said pressure roller is against said negative mounting roll, lifts said leg means of said cradle from said roll to permit rotation of said roll and pressure roller to wind the negative on said roll. 